Ten Tips For Facility Managers To Cut Energy Costs

May 10, 2017 May 10, 2017

Managing energy cost is among the primary duties of facility managers, but understanding this duty and applying it are not always clearly defined. According to Brandon Lorenz of FacilitiesNet, facility managers can work to reduce energy costs by taking these actions and learning more about their organization’s energy costs.

1. Determine What’s Running Afterhours

When the facility is not serving customers, reduce energy costs to those that are necessary. For example, only refrigerators, freezers and security systems should be running in restaurants or retailers afterhours. An afterhours walk-through is the simplest way to determine what is running when it is not needed.

2. Consider Seasonal Changes

The seasons may change suddenly, but in general, consider seasonal changes one month before expected. In other words, service heating units before using them for the colder season, and ensure air conditioners are working properly before spring and summer. Adjust set temperatures to reflect changes in season. For example, change indoor temperatures to be slightly cooler during warmer months and vice versa. Also, moderate temperatures during spring and fall may not require running the HVAC system at all.

3. Clean Lighting Systems

A dirty, dusty lightbulb or lighting cover reduces the amount of light entering your facility. Rather than turning more lights on, keep the bulbs, covering and fixtures clean. This will also improve lighting life expectancy.

4. Change HVAC Filters

5. Get All Team Members Onboard

All team members should understand the value in reducing energy costs across a company. Educate team members on why energy reduction is essential, and consider creating programs to reward team members that follow energy-saving practices.

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6. Reduce Heat Penetration

Heat penetration describes heat gain from sunlight entering a facility. Put up heat-blocking drapes, and keep exterior doors shut as much as possible.

7. Set Refrigeration Units to Proper Temperature

Refrigeration units do not require the coldest setting to function correctly. Refrigeration units, including refrigerated cases, freezers and refrigerators should be set to a proper, energy-efficient temperature.

8. Shut Down Office Equipment

Office equipment, including computers, printers, scanners and monitors, are immense energy drains. Shut down these devices during vacancy hours or when workers are away from their desks for extended periods.

9. Understand Utility Rates

Utility rates may vary depending on the time of day. Effective facility managers must understand how individual energy rates change and how they impact overall energy costs.

10. Implement a System to Track and Control Energy Use

Install an automated system to control and track energy consumption in your facility. ENTOUCH.ONE is an example of an easy-to-install system that can manage and control energy use.

Apply These Tips, and Contact ENTOUCH Now.

These tips will help you start saving money on your energy costs, increasing your ability as a facility manager. Implement them today, and contact ENTOUCH to find out more about how ENTOUCH.ONE or ENTOUCH.360 can help you reach your energy-saving goals.